Marjane Satrapi’s memoir, Persepolis, captured my full attention on the first page—the image of young girls playing with their veils instead of wearing them made me chuckle. I read volume one in one sitting, and hurriedly placed Persepolis 2: The Story of a Childhood on hold through the Free Library’s website. Satrapi’s story of growing up in Iran is at once heartbreaking and humorous, while presenting some pretty heavy history through the eyes of a young Iranian girl coming of age during the Islamic Revolution. The Complete Persepolis is intriguing, inspiring, and enriching—naturally, I was thrilled when it was named the 2010 One Book, One Philadelphia featured reading selection, and I can’t wait until the program kicks off in January!

In the meantime, I invite you to share your thoughts on the book here on the blog. Have you started reading yet? Or perhaps you’re like me, and finished it in one sitting! What were some of your first impressions of Satrapi’s story? The first 30 pages on their own present a rich story—a 10-year-old Satrapi struggles to understand the Islamic Revolution and discovers how her own family’s history is intertwined in her country’s political turmoil. What do you think of Satrapi’s discussions with God? Do you remember a point in your childhood where you struggled to understand a very serious and complicated situation? Share some of your opinions and recollections below!

Fri, October 09, 2009
This was the first graphic novel I've read, and I thought it was really masterful. The images along with the text really gave me a sense of her life. Moving and heartfelt. Now I need to read Persepolis 2.Andy - Sarasota

Mon, October 12, 2009
I read the complete Persepolis right through. I LOVED it. It's a great story, wonderfully told, and very timely. I hope it gets folks to treat graphic novels with more respect. They can be great works of writing!Johanna - Germantown